Phelan to Drive Brand Campaigns and Creative Vision at the Luxury Retailer
Harvey Nichols has appointed renowned British stylist Kate Phelan as its new creative director, effective immediately. The role, created specifically for Phelan, represents the first major move by Julia Goddard, the retailer’s newly appointed chief executive officer.
As creative director, Phelan will oversee Harvey Nichols’ brand campaigns and visual identity, as well as strengthen its creative propositions. Reporting directly to Goddard, Phelan will continue her freelance styling collaborations alongside her responsibilities at Harvey Nichols.
“Kate’s esteemed career in the fashion industry has been captivating, and her expertise will strengthen the leadership team at Harvey Nichols. I am very excited to see her creativity and vision come to life,” stated Goddard.
Widely recognized as one of Britain’s leading stylists, Phelan is known for her extensive influence in shaping British fashion. She has held prominent roles at British Vogue and Topshop, contributing to the global image of British style. Her career at British Vogue spans over 25 years, during which she collaborated with some of the industry’s most influential photographers and creatives. Beginning as a fashion assistant in 1984, Phelan rose to become senior fashion editor at Marie Claire before returning to British Vogue as co-creative director for 18 years.
“This is an exciting time in retail with many new opportunities to use the channels we have available to tell stories. Harvey Nichols has a wonderful history, and I very much look forward to working alongside Julia and the Harvey Nichols team in delivering a new energy and vision for the brand,” Phelan commented on her appointment.
From 2011 to 2017, Phelan also served as creative director at Topshop, and she later returned to British Vogue in 2013 in a part-time capacity. Harvey Nichols added that Phelan’s career has produced some of the most memorable fashion imagery in the industry, which she will now bring to her role in revitalizing the brand’s creative direction.